Laura Elaine Ogden, a 32-year-old woman from Flour Bluff, Texas, tragically lost her life on September 14, 2014. Laura was one of three victims in a horrific shooting incident that took place at the Marina Village RV park in Flour Bluff. The other victims were 63-year-old Pamela Kay Rhodes and 56-year-old Ricky Ray Collier. The shooting also left a 10-year-old boy critically injured.
The suspect, 63-year-old Sammuel Everett Toomey, was a longtime resident of the RV park and had ongoing disputes with his neighbors, including Laura Elaine Ogden. Toomey confessed to the killings and was charged with capital murder of multiple persons.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on a Sunday evening. Toomey, armed with a handgun, targeted his neighbors, shooting them outside their homes. The Nueces County Medical Examiner identified the victims, and police collected evidence at the scene until early Monday morning. Toomey was arrested and taken into custody, where he showed signs of injury. His attorney claimed that Toomey was severely beaten by police officers during his arrest, leading to a lawsuit against the city of Corpus Christi. The lawsuit cited excessive force and failure to provide proper supervision and training for the officers involved.
The shooting stemmed from a longstanding feud between Toomey and his neighbors. According to RV park management, Toomey had issues with the couple living across the street and with Laura Elaine Ogden, who had recently moved in with her two children and her fiancé. Laura was described as a beloved young mother who was well-liked by everyone in the community. She leaves behind two children.
In court, Toomey was reminded of his rights and showed clear signs of injury. His attorney sought answers regarding the circumstances of his arrest and the treatment he received while in custody. The city of Corpus Christi eventually settled the lawsuit with Toomey's family, agreeing to pay $35,000 to five family members and covering Toomey's medical bills and funeral expenses. The settlement did not admit any wrongdoing or unlawful conduct by the city or its officers.
